With Burja Across Europe within the Erasmus+ Program

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme, Zavod Burja hosted two experts representing the Croatian minority community from Serbia. The mobility was carried out in cooperation with HKPD Matija Gubec Tavankut and marked an important step in strengthening international cooperation and developing new educational approaches.

The main objective of the mobility was to transfer knowledge and exchange of good practices. The first focused on civic engagement of minority communities and sustainable development, while the second addressed cultural heritage and the preservation of minority identities. Special emphasis was placed on linking these themes with adult education.

The mobility programme was based on non-formal education methods, with a strong focus on participatory and experiential learning approaches. Activities included lectures, interactive workshops, group work, discussions, reflection, and field-based learning. Participants were actively involved in the learning process, enabling a deeper understanding of the topics and their direct application in practice.

An important part of the methodology was the use of narrative approaches, particularly in the field of cultural heritage. Participants explored methods of storytelling, interpretation of tradition, and the integration of cultural content into modern adult education programmes. At the same time, participatory methods for working with minority communities were presented, encouraging active inclusion, identity building, and social participation.

The mobility also included cross-sectoral networking through visits to local organisations, such as the Celje Youth Centre and the Savinja Region Business Incubator. These visits provided broader insight into the connections between culture, entrepreneurship, youth work, and education, and opened space for the development of new project ideas.

One of the key goals of the mobility was also the development of new Erasmus+ projects. Through joint work, exchange of experiences, and project planning, participants developed concrete ideas for future cooperation, particularly in the fields of adult mobility, cultural heritage, sustainability, and intercultural dialogue.

The results of the mobility are reflected in the enhanced knowledge and competences of Zavod Burja’s educators. Participants improved their understanding of working with minority communities, developed new approaches to integrating cultural heritage into adult education, and strengthened their skills in participatory methods, project development, and international cooperation.

The mobility significantly contributed to strengthening the partnership between the organisations and laid the foundation for long-term collaboration. It also opened new opportunities for developing innovative educational programmes that connect tradition, art, sustainability, and community engagement.

Such mobility experiences highlight the importance of direct learning in an international environment and contribute to the development of high-quality and inclusive adult education.